Flip flops are fun and convenient, but they aren’t meant to be worn all the time. Go ahead and wash your car in them or head to the beach, but making them your everyday footwear can lead to a lot of foot pain.
No Support Equals Foot Pain
Flip flops have no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption, so they really shouldn’t be worn when you’re doing some extensive walking. The lack of arch support can lead to severe pain and even tendonitis. You may even end up with a sprained ankle if you aren’t careful and end up tripping in them.
Some companies such as Wolky, Chaco, Dansko and Rockport do offer better versions of flip flops that aren’t quite as flimsy as your typical beach-going flops.
Foot Injury
Since flip flops offer almost no protection, you’re at greater risk for stubbed toes, glass cuts, puncture wounds, or having a heavy object smash your foot. Ouch.
If you have diabetes it’s even worse. Any foot injury can get pretty serious and maybe even lead to amputation. Bottom line – try your best to avoid flip flops and sandals.
Flip Flops and Sports
Don’t run or play sports in flip-flops – wear the appropriate shoes for the sport you’re playing. It’s really that simple. Running or jumping in flip flops can lead to sprained ankles, fractures, or even severe ligament injuries that require surgery. Is temporary comfort really worth all of that?
Dangers Outside
Don’t do yard work in flip flops. Whether you realize it or not, you could end up in the emergency room by doing this. More people end up at the hospital than you think because of toe injuries from lawn mowers, weed eaters and shovels. Many people also end up with snake bites on their feet because they wore flip flops around the yard.
Driving Hazard
If you’re wearing flip flops while driving, you are really taking a risk. They could come off of your foot and lodge themselves under the brake or gas pedal; you can only imagine what disastrous things will happen as a result. This doesn’t just happen with flip flops, though. Be careful with any shoes you are wearing when you’re driving.
Beware of the Sun!
One last thing – do not forget to put sunscreen on your feet when you’re wearing flip flops. If you don’t, your toes may just get sunburnt which can be really painful and not exactly pretty either.
Getting Professional Treatment
It is always our express intent to recommend that you take no chances with foot pain, ankle or knee pain, or injuries. Professional treatment to relieve the pain is available from doctors such as Delray Beach’s Dr. Ian Goldbaum of Delray Beach Podiatry, who has provided us with this blog. If the pain continues, a podiatrist with Dr. Goldbaum’s experience should be consulted. You must get proper treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Our Staff writers are freelance writers with higher education related to, or experience researching and writing for, medical blogs; with education or experience equal to under graduate and graduate degrees in the fields of medicine.
Related articles
No responses yet